Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji has been re-elected unopposed as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN), Ogun State Chapter, pledging to build on his first-term achievements while advancing a more inclusive, transparent and people-centred leadership.

Ogunsiji secured a second term at the 12th Ogun SWAN Triennial Delegates’ Congress held on Saturday, describing his unopposed return as a strong vote of confidence and a renewed mandate to reposition the association.

“This mandate belongs to every member of our association. It is a renewed call to consolidate on our achievements, address our shortcomings and take Ogun SWAN to greater heights,” he said.

He commended members for their support and lauded the electoral committee for conducting what he described as a peaceful, transparent and credible congress. He also paid tribute to past chairmen for laying a solid foundation for the association’s growth.

The chairman passed a vote of confidence on the national leadership of SWAN under President Isaiah Benjamin, noting that the current National Executive Committee has restored the association’s relevance nationwide.

While acknowledging the Ogun State Government’s investment in sports infrastructure, particularly at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Ogunsiji expressed concern over poor maintenance and underutilisation of some facilities. He highlighted the deteriorating condition of the stadium’s swimming pool and the absence of a functional practice pitch.

He further criticised the lack of sustained grassroots sports programmes after the 2025 National Sports Festival, noting that the gains from the event had not translated into long-term athlete development.

Ogunsiji condemned the use of parts of the stadium complex as a car park and driving practice ground, insisting that the facility should be reserved strictly for sporting activities. He also called for the revival of the stadium’s night economy to enhance security, increase internally generated revenue and boost vibrancy.

As part of plans to deepen engagement, he announced the introduction of a “SWAN Forum,” where governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections will present their sports policies and development plans.

The SWAN chairman called for stronger collaboration between the association, the Ogun State Government, sports agencies, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to drive sports development.

He praised Kunle Soname, Chairman of Remo Stars F.C., for his contributions to football development, describing his investments as a model for Nigeria and Africa.

Ogunsiji also challenged the state’s football authorities to intensify talent discovery, noting that despite producing legends such as Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Tajudeen Disu and Ike Shorunmu, Ogun State has struggled to produce players for the national teams in recent years.

He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to provide an 18-seater bus for the association, noting that no administration has done so in over 50 years despite the role of sports journalists.

Ogunsiji also decried poor sponsorship of key programmes such as the SWAN Security Cup, SWAN Media Cup and SWAN Week, calling on stakeholders to partner with the association to revive them.

Outlining his second-term agenda, he promised to strengthen existing programmes, expand capacity-building initiatives, and introduce grassroots sports schemes aimed at discovering young talents across the state.

Representing the SWAN national leadership, South-West Vice President Ayodeji Ogunsakin commended the Ogun chapter for conducting a peaceful and credible election, while also applauding the state government for providing a befitting secretariat.

Other elected officials include Taiwo Fabajo (Vice Chairman), Olusegun Folarin (Secretary), Seun Odunlami (Assistant Secretary), Michael Adesanya (Treasurer), Bayo Adegboyega (Welfare Officer) and Hassan Yusuf Olatunji (Financial Secretary).